Each PowerCom smart meter has the flexibility to switch between pre-payment and post-payment from the MDM software without having to change the meter. PowerCom’s prepayment system is an excellent platform for utilities who wish to implement a pre-payment solution based on a "Smart Grid" platform.

PowerCom’s smart prepayment solution allows operators to control essential elements remotely such as the ability to: (i) credit a meter; (ii) switch between credit and pre-payment; (iii) send immediate online tariff changes; (iv) provide emergency credit; (v) connect/disconnect, trickle flow, friendly credit or load limiting when credit runs out; and (vi) send automatic SMS/Email verifying successful loading of credit and pre-notification of disconnections. In deployments where reliable GPRS communication exists, there is no need for the keypad to credit the meter. The system also offers basic customer invoicing and payment reconciliations reports, as well as incorporates an STS code generator for producing the pre-paid token numbers. A customer portal is available where each customer enters their unique username and password to access their consumption history in graphs according to user selected intervals. The system can be expanded to include smart home applications, and load management systems.

PowerCom also offers a low cost prepayment solution. This meter combines advanced metering technology, a key-pad and an internal relay unit, all integrated and sealed in a single housing entity. The meter has IEC, SABS and STS approvals.

The KY123 is a Consumer Interface Unit (CIU), and is an integrated part of the PowerCom AMI "Smart Grid" solution. The unit is located in the consumer’s premises and communicates with the consumer’s meter. It enables the input of STS prepayment tokens for crediting the meter, and is capable of presenting a range of consumption data to the consumer for energy efficiency purposes.
The unit incorporates a keypad with audible feedback, an LCD, and a number of communication alternatives with the meter, such as Power Line Communication (PLC) or two-wire interface (DCPLC).

PowerCom’s smart water prepayment meter integrates smart water metering, and prepayment in a single unit. The meter is recharged via a STS compliant 20-digit numeric token that is generated by any STS compliant vending systems.